Investigation of Algae Habitats and Biofuel Potential: How pH Affects Algae Growth Rates

Abstract

This research examines the ideal environments of algae with biofuel potential. The influence of different pH levels within their habitat are analyzed. A better understanding of the ideal environments for algae growth could potentially increase the already promising efficiency of using algal oil an alternative fuel source. Using a Vernier spectrometer each habitat was tested for chlorophyll concentrations, which presumably reflects the algae concentration and compared weekly. The results indicate that a [HIGHER/LOWER/NEUTRAL] pH concentration is more appropriate to obtain a higher algae growth rate.